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UNA Support
The Green Depot is open on weekends!

Depot Hours

Monday 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday 4 p.m - 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Friday Closed
Saturday 10 a.m - 2 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m - 6 p.m.

For questions, please contact us at greendepot@myuna.ca.

The Green Depot, operated by the UNA, offers socially, economically, and environmentally responsible waste repurposing and disposal options to UNA and UBC community members. The Depot is run by a part-time staff person and community volunteers who dedicate their time to strengthen the UNA community and decrease the amount of unnecessary waste going into the landfill.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to drop off items?

    The Green Depot is free for UNA residents, UBC staff and students, and U-Town card holders. Simply present your UNA, UBC, or U-Town card when dropping off your materials. If you don’t have your card, you will be asked to go to the front desk at Wesbrook Community Centre to verify your address.

    Non-UNA, UBC, or U-Town card holders can access Green Depot services for a $5 flat rate fee, payable at the Wesbrook Community Centre front desk.

  • What is accepted and not accepted?

    ACCEPTED:

    • Clothing, textiles, and shoes
    • Computers and parts
    • Household batteries
    • Small household appliances
    • Household electronics (including cables)
    • Ink cartridges
    • Light bulbs
    • Smoke and CO alarms
    • Soft and flexible plastics (bags, food wrappers, chip bags, can rings)
    • Styrofoam packing blocks
    • Writing instruments

    NOT ACCEPTED:

    • Automotive and marine batteries
    • Broken light bulbs
    • Commercial fire alarms
    • Foam food containers
    • Large household appliances and furniture
    • Propane canisters
    • Residential recycling (blue box recycling)
    • Thrift store items (books and working electronics)
  • What is the difference between soft and flexible plastic? Why do they have to be separated?

    We get this question a lot!

    Soft plastics include things like plastic bags, ziploc bags, and bubble wrap.

    Flexible plastics include things like chip bags, can rings, and candy wrappers.

    All of your plastics should have the crumbs shaken out first, and should be clean and dry before being brought to the Depot. Crumbs and wet bags can cause mold, causing the entire bin to become contaminated.

    Too much unsorted or contaminated recycling can lead to entire bins being rejected and sent to the landfill.

    Thank you for doing your part to help keep our recycling streams sorted!

  • Do you accept working electronics?

    No, we don’t. The reason is because Green Depot items are destined for end-of-life processing, where they are taken apart and their materials are sorted for recycling

    Working electronics can instead be donated to thrift stores for reuse, which keeps them out of waste and recycling streams for as long as possible.

  • Where can I take items that aren't accepted at the Green Depot, like household items and working appliances?

    Thrift stores like the Salvation Army accept other household items, such as kitchenware and decorations. Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts large household appliances and furniture.

    For items that can’t be recycled through the Green Depot, like propane canisters, books, and furniture, visit Recycle BC or Waste Wizard to find out where you can drop off these and other items.

  • What can I do with my recycling if the Green Depot isn't open?

    We strive to keep a consistent schedule for the Green Depot to meet community needs. Hours are dependent on our volunteers’ availability and may change seasonally.

    Leaving your recycling outside of the Green Depot outside of operating hours creates more work for our Green Depot Attendant and volunteers. Illegal dumping not only attracts unwanted attention that leads to security issues, but it also adds a significant operational burden and cost to properly dispose of unaccepted items.

    Often, items left outside are not able to be recycled at the Green Depot, meaning they will most likely end up in the garbage. Many of those items can be taken to the Zero Waste Centre.

  • What happens to the things that I drop off at the Green Depot?

    We work with several companies to make sure your recyclables end up at the right place.

    Many items, including soft plastics and styrofoam blocks, are processed and converted into new plastic bags or items like park benches.

    Other items like household electronics, lightbulbs, and ink cartridges, are recycled.

    Computers and other electronics are sent to Free Geek where they are refurbished or recycled.

    Good condition used textiles are donated to a non-profit, while torn or unsalvageable textiles are recycled.

    This graphic outlines where each item of these common items go after arriving at the Green Depot.

  • Will you delete my data from my old electronics?

    We recommend that everyone removes their iCloud or sign-in information from their devices before recycling your electronics. You can find the step-by-step process for removing your iCloud information here.

    For other electronics, please make sure sensitive data is destroyed or archived as you will be dropping them off at your own risk.

  • Can I volunteer?

    Yes! The Green Depot relies on volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering and able to commit to a consistent weekly shift, please email greendepot@myuna.ca for more information.